Federal court strikes down ‘physician gag law’ on guns

MelissaJenco, News Content Editor

Physicians in Florida can counsel patients about firearm safety without fear of sanctions,
a panel of federal judges ruled Thursday.

The Academy applauded the decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit saying protecting physicians’ First Amendment rights will in turn help protect
children from unintentional injury and death.

“We are delighted that the Constitution has been defended, particularly when it comes
to the First Amendment,” said AAP President Fernando Stein, M.D., FAAP. “Pediatricians
routinely counsel families about firearm safety just as they offer guidance on seat
belt use, helmets and parental tobacco use to reduce the risk of injury to children
where they live and play. These are all topics that families should feel very comfortable
talking about with their pediatrician.”

The lawsuit, Wollschlaeger v. Governor of Florida, was filed by the AAP Florida Chapter, other medical societies and six individual
physicians. It challenged a 2011 Florida law called the Privacy of Firearm Owners
Act, restricting physicians, nurses and other medical staff from asking patients and
their families about firearms. Physicians who broke the law could be disciplined by
the Florida Board of Medicine. Thursday’s decision upholds a 2012 ruling blocking
enforcement of the law.

“We are pleased with the 11th Circuit’s common-sense decision, which allows physicians the right to counsel families
on firearms ownership and storage,” said Madeline Joseph, M.D., FAAP, president of
the AAP Florida Chapter. “This ruling will allow physicians to offer sound medical
advice to families without fear of state interference or penalties.”

Research has shown that age-appropriate counseling about gun locks and safe storage
increases the likelihood a family will take the steps to store their firearms safely.

Since 2011, 14 other states have considered legislation similar to Florida’s, but
none of the proposals have passed.